Strategies for Eating Out

I saw this online today. It purports to be 6 strategies, but it's really 6 tactics. But they are good tactics. At the end of this post, I'll suggest real strategies (long-term plans).


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6 Strategies for Savvy Ordering in a Restaurant
How to stay on track when you’re eating out.

From the Editors of EatingWell.com More on this in Health & Fitness

1. Read the whole menu. Get a feel for what’s available and estimate the calories before you make a decision about what to order.

2. Be the first to order. That way you won’t be tempted to go along when the rest of the gang orders more than you’d like to eat.

3. Consider à la carte. Try getting a soup or salad and an appetizer, or a couple of side dishes, instead of an overly large entree. Many restaurants these days offer smaller “tasting” plates or tapas-size portions, too. They are worth a try and often just right in size.

4. Split the difference. If an entrée sounds like too much food, see if one of your dining companions would like to share it with you. Or set aside half of the food as soon as it arrives and ask the waiter to wrap it up for you.

5. Ask for sauces and dressings on the side. Most restaurants use a heavy hand with toppings; they just can’t help themselves. When they’re on the side you can control the amount without having to miss out. Rather than pouring them on, dip the tip of your fork into the dressing or sauce, then take a bite of food, so you’ll get a little taste in every bite.

6. Ask questions. Request that food be prepared your way, within reason (asking for a salad on the side instead of chips is reasonable; asking to have the fish and chips special steamed instead of fried is not). Ask politely but unapologetically; remember, restaurants are in the service business. Most are more than willing to accommodate your request—after all, you’re paying!
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Here are some real strategies:
1. Plan ahead to avoid eating out. Beverly and I have decided that eating out just isn't worth it. In fact, we have had a $100 gift certificate for over two months to an upscale restaurant, and we still haven't gotten around to using it. (We will soon, I hope; then I'll apply the above tactics.)

2. Plan ahead and make some "eating in" nights special. Prepare special food, something both you and your family love. Eat to candle light, if that makes it special. That way, you won't miss some of the fun of eating out.

3. Plan ahead on calories when you know you're eating out. Cut down on calories or run extra miles on the day that you're going to a restaurant.

4. Plan ahead for the type of restaurant that offers low-cal food. Places like Chili's and Tony Roma's specialize in high-fat, high-calorie food. Instead, go to a restaurant where you know you can get food that will help you stay on your diet. For fast food, you can't beat Subway.